Wally Parks Remembered

I considered Wally Parks a good friend and mentor. I’m not sure, but I think Wally probably just thought of me as some “pain-in-the-ass” kid. I’d call with questions or ideas and he would patiently answer them and give me direction. I say “patiently”, because I could feel that he really was working on the patience part… and sometimes he would lose it.

In fact, the last time I talked to him was a year ago today. I called to get his advice on an article that I had blown a fact on and after hearing the story of my failure, he blasted me in a way that only someone like Wally could. I loved him for it.

Ten days later, Wally passed away. The past year has been interesting and rewarding. In many ways, it’s been the biggest and best year of The Jalopy Journal and it’s an awkward feeling experiencing that (and making decisions) without having Wally in my pocket to consult with. I miss him and appreciate him a little more each day it seems.

Anyway, I thought today would be a good day to remember Wally publicly. And what better way to do it than to listen to Wally in his own words over at the AHRF? Check it out: